Kansas City could move up the list with an increase in job growth -- particularly in the Jackson County part of KCMO where job growth has been negative over the past decade. But the easy availability of affordable housing and relatively low unemployment makes KC a pretty affordable place to live....which, if sold to potential out-of-the area businesses, who rely on attracting employees who want to live an affordable lifestyle.

We could also move up the list if had a better public transit system. Right now we are #2 for transportation costs. We spend more of our income on transportation than housing, because have to drive so far to work, school, shops, etc.